Former police officer accused of sexual assault acquitted

March 8, 2018

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) — A former police officer in Virginia has been acquitted of two counts of sodomy.

The Daily Progress reports the jury deliberated more than four hours before delivering the verdict Tuesday in the trial of 36-year-old Christopher A. Seymore, a Charlottesville officer who was fired upon his arrest.

Seymore was accused of forcing a woman to perform oral sex on two occasions in November 2016. He said that the woman came on to him both times, including when he returned after the first time to tell her he was married.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Joe Platania highlighted the power dynamics in the case, saying the victim felt pressured to comply with Seymore’s wishes because of his gun and authority. Defense attorney Elizabeth Murtagh argued that the force had to be physical, not psychological.